Suffolk Downs owner not waiting for news from Amazon to seek approval for massive redevelopment

The HYM Investment Group, headed by a former BRA director, yesterday filed an initial plan for its project to turn a tired old race track on the East Boston/Revere line into a development that could ultimately include 10,000 housing units, two malls and lots of office space when completed in 15 or 20 years.

The company had begun working on its plans for the 161-acre site well before Boston submitted a proposal for Amazon's second headquarters to based there. But in its letter of intent to the BPDA, HYM says it might seek early approval for the 500,000 square feet of office space Amazon wants built before 2019, separate from the "planned development area" designation the company wants for the 109 acres on the East Boston side of the line. A PDA would essentially wipe out all existing zoning on the land and let HYM and the BPDA negotiate on just how much of what HYM wants it can get.

The BPDA is holding three site visits and discussions on the proposal, open to the public, at Suffolk Downs: Nov. 15, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Nov. 18, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Nov. 28, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. All start at the clubhouse entrance, 525 McClellan Highway.

HYM has made the presentation to the various East Boston community groups. Like that the principals made the presentation without either of the 2 attorneys that represent all the other developments in EB.